Chadashot* The latest news* of all things youth and education at Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation Issue 9 October 31, 2019 2 Cheshvan 5780 _________________

The ultimate opportunity to live in 2 civilizations will land on your doorstep at about 7PM this evening in the form of a princess, a wizard or baseball player. On Halloween our kids get to "become" other people or creatures, and what they're wearing plays a large role in the transformation. Similarly, and at the risk of trying to offer a larger Jewish lesson here, I'm going to make a pitch for suggesting that we consider dressing differently when we come to Adat Shalom on Saturday morning / Shabbat. While there is no "uniform" for going to synagogue or Torah School, and certainly no costume, it is not unusual for any of us -- child or adult --to "dress for the occasion." That means a tuxedo for black tie and cleats for a soccer field. But for Shabbat -- for learning and for celebrating -- maybe we can strive for something in between; something that shows kavod -- respect -- for our teachers, for Shabbat, for each other. To paraphrase the old adage, "clothes make the person". For most of us, how we dress affects how we act and how we relate to the situation we're in. We can step it up, we can encourage our children to step it up, we can take advantage of the psychological effect that if a child is dressed for soccer she's thinking about soccer, and if she's dressed for shul she's thinking about shul . And that's true for us as well. As a parent, I've sometimes made it too easy for my kids to opt-out of something without really pushing back and saying, "Try it. Just for a little bit. It may change your perspective. It may make you appreciate where you are and what you are doing." And it makes the candy taste so much better. Happy Halloween and Shabbat Shalom, Rena Rena Milchberg Interim Education Coordinator

Shavat Vayinafash in Silver Spring TOMORROW NIGHT! Friday, November 1 at 6PM Silver Spring Civic Center Come enjoy a light nosh and welcome Shabbat with songs and celebration. And then enjoy dinner on your own in Silver Spring! Come join Rabbi Rachel and our Adat Shalom musical friends to welcome Shabbat . All are welcome!

What's all this fuss about tradition having a vote not a veto?

You asked to learn more about Reconstructionist Judaism, we deliver! Come learn with Rabbi Fred and immerse yourself in an hour of Recon 101 Saturday, November 16 at 9:30 in the Double Classroom Light Refreshments will be served.

Shabbat Dinner 101 Special Shabbat Dinner for our children from Kindergarten through 4th grade, their siblings and parents. Join us on Friday, November 15 at 6PM along with some special friends to welcome Shabbat at the Table. We'll light the candles, recite kiddush and learn some Shabbat traditions that you can take home. This program is designed for folks whose Shabbat tradition may be pizza and a movie right on through to those who stop at sundown and eat chicken like in the old country. Please RSVP . Dinner will be provided but please bring a dairy/vegetarian side dish to share.

Remember the High Holidays? B'Yachad? Kid Programming? Glow Sticks? Adat Shalom wants your feedback. Please take a few minutes and think back to your experience during the High Holidays -- for you and for your family. Click here to share your thoughts. Please respond by Wednesday, November 6.

For our High School Students

Tzedek A leadership development, social justice and activism program of Habonim Dror Camp Moshava 11/03: Advocacy Skills Training Washington Ethical Society, 3pm-5pm Jews United for Justice will lead a training on how to advocate for immigrant rights in meetings with Montgomery County elected officials! 11/17: Racial Justice Workshop Washington Ethical Society, 3pm-5pm A teen led workshop on resisting antisemitism, racism, and white supremacy. Interested? Contact tzedek@campmosh.org  Masa Israel Gap Year Fair Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30 PM  at the Charles E Smith Jewish Day School Upper School Campus Food, raffle and information from leading Jewish Gap Year programs with a focus on Israel. Contact StephanieA@MasaIsrael.org for more info! Watch this space for other Jewish Gap Year Opportunities and pre-leaving home programs for our Adat Shalom graduating teens. Want more info about Gap Year Programs? Contact Rena

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